Monday, July 30, 2012

Almost There, I Can See It

So close, yet so far. That's what keeps ringing in my head each time I think about not spending time on my book. We are at 48 pages left. 48 until the re-write is finally finished and it's the toughest part of the book, the climax and end!

It has been a long re-write, a year as a matter of fact, and now less than a month away where we can finally say the re-write is finished, now onto the revisions. I can't believe we have finally reached this far. We see light at the end of the tunnel!

People wonder why it has taken so long and the reason is simple, I had to learn how to actually write the words to make them a book. I know, to those of you that aren't writers that doesn't make sense, but when you are writing a story and want to turn it into a novel that will captivate, you need to follow certain criteria. It's not all grammar and punctuation, it's turning a sentence around so that it says the same thing only better, more intriguing. I guess the term would be, more professional. Anyone can tell a story, writing it into a novel is a whole lot more than you could imagine.

On top of learning the skills of writing, I had to add detail, description, and action. It had to make sense and not lose the reader along the way. After all, I am creating another world, one that needs to ring true, and take you inside.

It has been quite a process, but I love it! Each time my sister comes over and we sit down to the book, I am excited. Between the two of us we take each line, each paragraph and turn it around to be filled with richness and flow, to captivate and grab you so that you want to know more. I am totally submerged in the Djenrye world and the characters I've created.

It is a hard thing to do, though. After a few hours of working, you are absolutely exhausted. That's another reason for it taking so long, you have to take breaks other wise you start becoming slap happy and the work gets shotty at best. Not to mention, life happens. We both work, we both have a husband, kids, ect... that seem to need our attention too! It never ends, but we look forward to the next time we get together and do it again.

Well, today I have to go to work, but my thoughts are on my book. I think about how to set up the next scene, or what to take out or leave in. How far we will be at the end of the week. How much more until we are done with this stage of development. But, then I have to come back to earth and deal with what ever is in front of me. Until Tuesday night when my sister comes over and we immerse ourselves in the Djen world once again. I can't wait!

Leave me a line and let me know, if your writing, what you go through to get your novel ready for submission or self-publishing. Or maybe your just a supportive friend or family and now understand the process we are going through and want to add a comment. Either way, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for all you do!

Lisa - I know exactly how you feel! I am SO sick of reading my own novel at this point. I've been editing & re-editing for MONTHS. It's grueling but still something I love, and I'm hoping it will be worth it in the end.

It is an arduous business, this writing gig. Wayyyy more than people think unless they're in the thick of it. You are close to the finish line, though, so keep moving!

Thanks Robin, and I believe you will get to that point too. The one thing that would probably help is to let go of the big house and downsize your bills so you don't have to work full time. Just a thought! I'm glad we are partners, and I hope we are always friends!

Great blog page Lisa. You make many good points, especially about picking a day. The only problem with that for me is, when a idea or thought comes to mind I must get it on my page. So I will write something each day, or add a new page to my blog. I hope I will be as successful at this as you are. Great Job!